I have a 98 Z28. Its silver and I just got 17 inch chrome ZO6 rims for it. 275/40/17 tires.

My dilemma...

I don't know whether to lower it or not. Reasons to do it would be look and more of a road hugging feel I suppose. Even tho the drop, at 1.25 inches on the Bilstein shocks/springs combo package I'm considering, would not be that drastic of a difference looks-wise IMO. The lower profile tires and enhanced rim size would alone improve the look.

Reasons not to do it: I'm on a tight budget, this adds $200 to the cost of the package. Also I have ground effects that have fresh paint on them. If I scraped because of the car being lower - I'd be fairly upset. I'm putting on long tube headers as well, another bottoming concern with the lower car.

So, there ya go - opinions wanted. I want to know what I should do - is the 1.25 drop enough of an enhancement look wise to justify the expense and inconveniences the change offers? I'm back and forth on this so any input would be most welcome.

 

If you drive the car alot then I would not do it.
The ground effects WILL get scuffed at some point. Its just the very bottom and not all that noticeable but it will happen.

I have LTs on my LT1 and its low in the front but HIGH in the rear and I still have flat spots on the collectors and mufflers.

They do look great with the right stance I will admit but you will have to ask yourself if its worth the hassle. There will be places you look at while driving and think "I won't be able to drive in there"

 

With ground effects and long tubes in the future, I probably wouldn't take the chance by dropping the car.

 

You consider 1.25" drop a slight drop? That's pretty extreme for these cars in my mind. I dropped mine, all 4 corners, 0.5" using the Koni shocks (see sig). As it is, I can no longer get a floor jack under the side of the car because the ground effects are now too low. I scrape the nose on steep inclines and have to watch speed bumps. Would I do it again? Definitely! The car has a better visual stance, rides better, and the suspension mods make the car han dle very well.

However, I can't imagine how difficult it would be to drive on the street with a 1.25" drop and 40 series tires.

 

Thanx for all the replies, looks like I won't be dropping it. I appreciate everyones input on this!

 

since I put the 17" Z06 rims on my ride I really notice the "4 wheeler" look of that fender gap... HATE it.

Don't have "ground effects", but will be putting in LTs at some point..

When I look at that gap I don't think 1.3 (pro-kit) would be too much.

Anyway, that's what I'm going to do.

 

granted its not for the faint of hearted budget wise, but you could install a set of Koni SA shocks on your stock springs. the fronts have a lower spring perch that you can use to lower the front 3/4"...and then remove the rubber pad from the rear springs and drop that 1/2"...

you'll get much better handling with the koni shocks, a slightly lower stance, but not be too low.

most guys consider the 1.25" prokit a reasonalble drop. BMR and Hotchkis both make a 1" drop spring.

i'd put the headers on first...and see how you do around town with clearance...then make your decision.

 

I don't care what you are putting on the car later, drop the bitch. Just be careful driving around.
4th gen fbodies look retarded at stock ride height.

 

I put 17" wheels on my Z and couldnt stand the height. I bought Koni SA shocks and Strano springs. Ill just have to be careful once i put Lt's on it but its just the weekend car so ill manage